Standards at quayside ladders

The Department for Transport Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) conducted an investigation into the death of Michael Simpson, a fisherman who fell from a quayside ladder in Scotland and drowned.

The reasons for Mr Simpson's fall from the ladder could not be determined.

However, the MAIB expressed a general concern about the ergonomics of the ladder from which Mr Simpson fell, and such quayside ladders in general.

Consequently, the MAIB recommended that HSE review accidents from quayside ladders to determine if they were a major risk to safety and whether the design needed to be changed.

The subsequent review concluded that:

The review did not include analysis or consideration of other equipment, such as mitigation measures (eg lifejackets), nor how these work in combination with quayside ladders.

The review made a number of recommendations. We believe that the ports industry, in consultation with port users should consider:

Further information

Port Skills and Safety website has guidance on:

Updated 2022-06-27